Agency: Number of Syrian refugees exceeds 700,000 in Turkey

The number of Syrian refugees in Turkey exceeds 700,000, head of the Turkish Office for the Prevention and Emergency Management (AFAD), Fuat Oktay said, Anadolu agency reported on Feb.7.

The number of Syrian refugees is increasing due to the continuation of military operations, according to Oktay.

During the conflict in Syria which began in March 2011, over 140,000 people were killed and over 4.2 million have become refugees in Syrian territory as well as 2.3 million having fled to neighbouring countries. The main burden of receiving refugees lay on Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. The total population of Syria before the conflict amounted to 20 million.